Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station have successfully created oxygen and rocket fuel using artificial photosynthesis, a low-energy breakthrough for deep-space missions.
This new method, inspired by plant photosynthesis, converts carbon dioxide and water into essential gases using a simple drawer-like apparatus and a semiconductor catalyst.
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The experiment produced ethylene, a viable rocket fuel. With different catalysts, methane and formic acid could also be synthesized, expanding fuel possibilities for lunar and Martian missions.
Unlike the ISS’s electrolysis, which consumes a third of its power, this new system requires minimal energy, making it more efficient for long-term space habitation, according to South China Morning Post.
China aims to integrate this technology into its planned Moon base, set for completion by 2035, providing astronauts with breathable air and fuel sourced directly from lunar water deposits.
The China National Space Administration is collaborating with Russia to construct the base, planning a nuclear reactor for sustainable energy to support lunar colonization.
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By generating fuel on the Moon, China could reduce reliance on Earth launches, paving the way for deeper space missions, including potential crewed Mars expeditions.
A new reusable heavy-lift rocket, designed to transport lunar base materials, is set for its maiden flight this year, accelerating China’s ambitious off-world expansion plans.
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With NASA’s Artemis program facing setbacks, China’s rapid advancements could position it as the dominant force in lunar exploration, reshaping the space race.